R’ Gurwitz used to do the Russian Kazatske at all Chasunas. This was called a “Prat” in Novardok, when you are Mafkir your Kavod ; especially when it is M'sameach others. He was a very handy person (R’ Gershon encouraged: יִליִמ אָמְלַﬠְד general know-how, like knowing how to drive a car). The Alter held that just as only potential Chametz can be Matza (Gemara) similarly, a person who is street-wise, can also be G’ribben (shrewd) to conquer his Yetzer. R’ Gurwitz could build a house from scratch; but when he was a Menahel, and some handyman work was necessary in the Yeshiva, he asked his children to bring the tool box inside, since it wasn’t fitting for a Menahel.
Novardokers knew when to “let down their hair” and do a Prat, and when it wasn’t appropriate. They didn’t “Stam” act Meshuga, Chas V'shalom. But when something important was needed, and the whole world hesitated to put their Kavod or their comfort zone in Sakana (danger), Novardokers were always available.
When R’ Gurwitz was not well, he had a choice between a regular doctor and going all out for a top doctor. He had a successful operation with the regular doctor.
This is what happens when you have a Mussar Chinuch in Emuna and Bitachon, and realize that the only True Doctor is Hashem. I knew a woman from U. K. who was married to a super-critical husband, who always ignored her, while always being nice to others. She davened super hard for many years, and in the end she loved all his criticism. When he went to a Chasuna alone, she insisted on coming along with him, to enjoy all that criticism!
You can’t imagine the power of your mind! Those who learn loads of Mussar about the greatness of Bizyonos learn how to laugh when others cry! Once, a woman screamed at her husband for doing an evil which SHE had actually done, and not him. He didn’t say a word, and slept that night without any anxiety!
Mussar Gives You a Sweet Life
This is what Mussar and loads of Tefila can do for you. You don’t like learning Mussar? It’s your problem. You are missing out on a life of truth and sweetness and physical health, in this world and the next. When I make a beautiful speech, and then someone tells me that my friend made a much better speech, I’m overjoyed! Now I can become an Ahron! A: ויִחָא תַלוּדְגִבּ חַמָשֶׂשׁ בֵל heart that rejoices with his brother’s greatness!
